Tourism taxes are becoming a global phenomenon: what you need to know

Tourist taxes are becoming increasingly widespread around the world, with over 60 destinations now applying them. Russia is the latest country to join this trend, introducing a new tourist tax from January 1, 2025.

The tourist tax, also known as taxe de sรฉjour, is a levy imposed on travelers staying in tourist accommodations such as hotels, vacation rentals or campsites. This tax, generally levied per night and per person, varies according to the category of accommodation and the locality. Its main purpose is to help finance local tourism infrastructure and services, such as site maintenance, public transport improvements and destination promotion. 

New taxes and increases in 2025

As of January 01, 2025 Russia imposes a tax of 1% on accommodation costs, with a minimum of 100 rubles (approx. 0.90 $) per day. This rate will gradually increase to 3% by 2027.

Visit GreeceFrom January 1, 2025, the climate resilience tax will increase. For 1-2 star hotels, it will rise to 2.00 euros per night (from 1.5 euros in 2024).

Lisbon has already doubled its tourist tax to โ‚ฌ4 per night since September 2024, while cruise passengers will pay โ‚ฌ2 per visit.

Global trends

Many European countries already apply tourist taxes, including :

  • France between โ‚ฌ0.20 and โ‚ฌ4.20 per person per night in 2025
  • Spain 1 to โ‚ฌ4 per night in the Balearic Islands
  • Italy up to โ‚ฌ10 per night in some cities
  • Germany 5% hotel tax in Berlin

Outside Europe, countries such as Thailand (300 THB or 9 $ on entry) and the Japan (Sayonara tax of ยฅ1,000 or 7 $ to start with) have also adopted these practices.

Hawaii to offer "Green Fee" in 2025

Hawaii Governor Josh Green plans to introduce a new tourism tax in 2025. This tax, known as the "climate impact tax", is intended to finance environmental protection and combat overtourism. The proposed tax is $25 per visitor. The funds would be used for beach maintenance, the creation of firebreaks and other environmental preservation measures.

The objectives of the tax :

  • Protecting Hawaii's natural resources
  • Raising awareness of the effects of climate change
  • Managing the influx of tourists sustainably

Objectives and impact on destinations

These taxes are intended to :

  • Combating overtourism
  • Financing sustainable development projects
  • Preserving local culture
  • Improving tourism infrastructures

Although they increase travel costs, these taxes encourage more responsible tourism and contribute to the sustainability of tourist destinations.

As a customer relations officer, my role is to manage and monitor visa applications. I keep abreast of new travel formalities and the specific features of new visas.

ยซ ยป

Leave a Comment